[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1314] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND DESIGNATING MAY 16, 2014 AS ``NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY'' ______ HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, September 12, 2013 Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution recognizing the importance of nonprofit organizations and designating May 16, 2014 as ``National Nonprofit Day.'' I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my friend and colleague, Congressman Tom Rooney for introducing this resolution with me. Nonprofit organizations have made many important contributions to our nation. Over the past decade, the number of nonprofits has risen steadily, and there are approximately 2.3 million of them now operating in the United States. Whether these groups are working to improve education or to protect environmental resources, they all have the same goals: to enact meaningful change in our world and to improve human lives. Many nonprofits support science and research that will have a significant impact on future generations. For instance, there are nonprofit organizations that support research to fight diseases such as Cancer and HIV/AIDS. Many other organizations advocate for vulnerable populations across the globe--for refugees, for the homeless, and for our nation's veterans. They educate and teach, as well as engage with local communities to improve the quality of life for all. In addition to being a force for change and progress, the nonprofit sector is vital to the economic security of the United States. In fact, the growth rate of the nonprofit sector has surpassed the rate of both the business and government sector. In 2010, nonprofits added nearly $780 billion to our national GDP and employed 1 in 10 working Americans. Nonprofit organizations also facilitate charitable giving and community activism, and the combined donations and volunteer hours of individuals to nonprofits are worth billions of dollars annually. But perhaps most importantly, nonprofit organizations are founded and managed by people trying to make the world a better place. Whether they are abroad or at home, the work that these men and women do is incredibly meaningful. Without the people behind these organizations-- working tirelessly to change the world, sometimes just one life at a time--the nonprofit sector would not be the force for good that it has become today. Mr. Speaker, nonprofit organizations advocate for solutions to some of the great challenges facing our nation and the world, and they deserve to be recognized for their valuable contributions to society. No matter their focus, nonprofits play a pivotal role in shaping the future of America. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and to join me in designating May 16, 2014 as ``National Nonprofit Day.'' ____________________